Japan Hokkaido - 19 May 2015 (Day 3)

Had quite the headache trying to decide if I should buy the Hokkaido Rail Pass, or not. Some calculation was definitely required. An ordinary pass costs about SGD261 for 5 days, inclusive of Fedex delivery service. It might be worthwhile if I'm using it to travel to Asahikawa and Hakodate. But looking at the schedule and since Asahiyama Zoo doesn't operate in May as well, decided to just do Hakodate. Travelling time to Hakodate is at least 3 hours and 20 minutes via rapid trains.

Reservation was fairly easy via this site before the travel dates. Easy to use, and there's some small discounts to the tickets. Chose the ordinary car and reserved a seat. Paid ¥14,810 for the tickets. That's about SGD$162.

ready for Hakodate

Taking the 8:34 morning train, so had a small breakfast of convenience store bought soft cake and coffee in the hotel before walking to the train station. There was a slight drizzly that morning.

Arrived at the station around 8:15am, and there were some people queueing up for their train. There's also a tiny stall that sells ramen at the platform where you eat while standing. Plenty of vending machines for drinks too.

train to Hakodate

Hokuto train to Hakodate had arrived!

Reserved seats are usually at carriage number 4. The Hokuto 6 train arrived at 8:21am and it moves off at exactly 8:34am. So, don't be late!

nice comfy seat

Train was clean and comfortable. As I was only doing an overnight stay at Hakodate, didn't have to bring much so was travelling with just a backpack.

some things to read, and my lemon tea drink from vending machine

As usual, ticket master will come around to check the tickets. Soon after that, the trolley service will begin. Here's the link to the Hokuto train menu. Looks interesting, so got myself an osusume bento for ¥980 (SGD12).

おすすめ bento

spring has arrived!

Loved the colourful bento. Lots of carbs though. 5 pieces of items with rice, some pickles, the deep fried stuff are forgetable and limp. Best item was the fishcake. The braised chicken and vege was quite nice too. There's a wrapped up sweet mochi in the bento too, for desserts.

Noboribetsu Station - for onsen goers

It was raining outside as the train moves along. Kinda happy to see coastal area.

still raining

nice view

some houses

The train was not too cold though it was raining outside. Was bored, so bought a cup of coffee to while the time away. Coffee is expensive at ¥300 (if I remembered correctly). Beer is about the same price. Yes, alcohol is also sold in the train.

JR train coffee

Didn't see a trash bin in the train (actually it's at the in-between of the carriage) so I ended up carrying the bento box, and coffee cup down the train with me. Others bought their own plastic to throw stuffs. Ok, I learn.

Arrived in Hakodate after 3 hours plus, and boy, it was cold! First stop, to the 函館朝市 or Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market). いきます!

Click here for Hakodate Eats.